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A blaze that attacked the rear of a home in the College Hill area Tuesday night was under control in about 20 minutes but not without frozen obstacles to overcome, authorities said.

Topeka firefighters were summoned at 9 p.m. to 1269 S.W. College Ave. on a report of a possible structure fire. First authorities on scene reported flames to be visible from the second floor of the two-story home.

Battalion Chief Todd Williams said flames also reached as high as the attic and were found on the back porch area. He estimated about a quarter of the dwelling — its back portion — to have been on fire.

Williams said the house’s only occupant, an adult man, escaped on his own and was uninjured.

Crews had trouble hooking into the first hydrant they tried because it was frozen in the mid-teen temperatures. Firefighters were successful with a second attempt on another hydrant.

“We were a little slow getting our hydrant, but we already had water on it from what we carry in the trucks,” Williams said. “We had it pretty well knocked down but just for insurance wanted to make sure we had a hydrant. With that big of a house you about need to.”

Williams said the blaze likely was accidental. A fire investigator was on scene to look into where and how the fire ignited.

Westar Energy and Kansas Gas Service also were called to the scene.

In addition to the frozen hydrant, Williams said fire crews had to be careful of some ice around the back side of the structure where they were battling the blaze. No firefighters were injured.

Shawnee County appraiser records indicate the property was worth $73,540. Those records indicate Brent M. Newsham is its owner.

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